If you’re really looking to cut the cord and ditch cable TV for streaming, you’ll need a high speed internet plan that can handle it without long load times, buffering and with a minimum of a HD quality picture. Netflix recommends for HD quality you need a minimum of 5 Mbps. While that’s not wrong, that’s unrealistic for multi-device homes. Netflix’s recommendation is assuming you only have one device in the home that’s only streaming Netflix. It doesn’t account for other activities or devices, or whether they’re currently being used or not. If you think you’ll need a better internet plan or new provider, don’t worry! We’ve done the research for you and here are the five best internet providers for streaming TV service.
Editor’s note: With multiple wireless devices in use we recommend no less than 25 Mbps. We haven’t included internet plans with slower speeds than that even if they might be available to customers.
1. Verizon FiOS
Internet Type: Fiber To The Home
If you’re looking for the best fiber internet to binge watch your favorite Netflix original series, Verizon FiOS is an excellent choice. We’ve rated Verizon FiOS first because of their high customer satisfaction ratings, fast speeds and superior bandwidth.
| Verizon FiOS Internet Plans | Monthly Price | Download Speeds |
| 200 Mbps Internet | $39.99/Mo. | 200 Mbps |
| 400 Mbps Internet | $59.99/Mo. | 400 Mbps |
| Gigabit Internet | $79.99/Mo. | 940 Mbps |
Also Read: 5 Best Budget-Friendly Alternatives to Cable TV
2. Spectrum
Internet Type: Cable
Charter Spectrum, also including former Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks is also a solid choice for streaming. We’ve rated Spectrum second because they’re coming around to embracing streaming with their own TV service called Spectrum TV Stream. Although when subscribing to Spectrum internet, they will try very hard to get you to bundle their internet to their traditional paid cable TV service first. You don’t need to subscribe to their TV service to get internet service.
| Spectrum Internet Plans | Monthly Price | Download Speeds |
| Internet | $49.99/Mo. | 100 Mbps |
| Internet Ultra | $69.99/Mo. | 400 Mbps |
| Internet Gig | $109.99/Mo. | 940 Mbps |
3. AT&T
Internet Type: Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial
If you’re in an area with AT&T Fiber, it can be the choice for you. We’ve rated AT&T third because the quality of their fiber internet service has improved a lot since the start of their AT&T U-Verse days. If you choose to go with their AT&T Wi-Fi Gateway, it comes with their Smart Home Manager App. Admittedly many routers also come with similar apps, but AT&T’s is very easy to use, helpful and if you need it AT&T can help you with it too. Buyers beware: AT&T also has DSL internet. For streaming TV and video, you really want one of AT&T’s fiber internet plans. DSL will leave you less than impressed.
| EarthLink Internet | Monthly Price | Download Speeds |
| AT&T Fiber Internet 100 | $45/Mo. | 100 Mbps |
| AT&T Fiber Internet 300 | $55/Mo. | 300 Mbps |
| AT&T Fiber Internet 1000 | $70/Mo. | 1000 Mbps |
4. Windstream
Internet Type: Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial
Streamers can truly rejoice with Windstream internet! Windstream doesn’t have a traditional paid TV service to be shoved into when you’re just looking for internet service. We’ve rated Windstream fourth because their prices are slightly higher than their competition with similar speeds.
| Windstream Internet | Monthly Price | Download Speeds |
| Kinetic 200 | $75/Mo. | 200 Mbps |
| Kinetic 500 | $85/Mo. | 500 Mbps |
| Kinetic GIG | $90/Mo. | 1000 Mbps |
Also Read: How to Install JioTV On Your Desktop Computer Or Laptop & Watch Live TV…
5. MetroNet
Internet Type: Fiber To The Home
MetroNet has fiber TV like many internet providers do, but they don’t pressure you into subscribing to it if you don’t want to. We’ve rated MetroNet fifth because even though they have a smaller coverage area, they are also streamer friendly.
| MetroNet Internet Plans | Monthly Price | Download Speeds |
| 100/100 Mbps Internet | $49.95/Mo. | 100 Mbps |
| 200/200 Mbps Internet | $59.95/Mo. | 200 Mbps |
| 500/500 Mbps Internet | $69.95/Mo. | 500 Mbps |
| 1/1 Gbps Internet | $89.95/Mo. | 1 Gbps |
